May 2nd, 2018: Local News

May 2nd, 2018: Local News

Campfire and smoking restrictions are implemented today on the Gila National Forest in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires. Fire restrictions for the Gila National Forest include allowing campfires only in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and must be in a Forest Service provided metal grill or metal fire pits. Fires in rock rings will not be allowed. The use of pressurized, petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are acceptable, provided they meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. Smoking is limited to a vehicle, building, or 3-foot area cleared of all flammable materials. Fireworks, explosives and incendiary devices are always prohibited on National Forest System lands. The following campgrounds and picnic areas have been designated for campfire use: Kingston, Wolf Hollow Canyon, Juniper, Piñon, El Caso I-III, El Caso Throwdown, Head of the Ditch, Armijo, Big Horn, Cottonwood, Pueblo Park, Grapevine, Lower Scorpion, Forks, Upper Scorpion, Sapillo, Upper End, Mesa, Lake Roberts Picnic Area, Apache Creek, and Willow Creek, Ben Lilly, Snow Lake/Dipping Vat, Iron Creek, Little Walnut Picnic Areas, Gomez Peak Group Area, Cherry Creek, McMillan, Upper Gallinas, Railroad Canyon, Whitewater Picnic Area – metal pedestal grills only. Please contact Ellen Brown, Fire Prevention Officer at (575)388-8201 or the individual ranger districts between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for further details regarding campgrounds and fire restrictions.

The locally filmed movie titled “A Boy Called Sailboat” made its debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival last weekend. Local cast members and their families traveled to the festival to view the finished film and participate in a question and answer session with the audience. Australian director, Cameron Nugent, chose Silver City as the venue for the film and used some local residents for cast members and crew. The festival runs until tomorrow, and although no awards have been announced yet, the film has received good reviews.

Deming police have arrested a man in connection with an attempted kidnapping of a child at the Family Dollar Store located at 811 South Platinum Street in Deming. Miguel Lujan, 85 years old, was arrested last week and charged with attempted kidnapping and enticement of a child that occurred on April 7th. The child was approached outside and inside the store but managed to get away and tell his mother. Lujan allegedly left the scene and was arrested later at his residence. The store’s video surveillance footage provided enough information to identify the suspect. Through further investigation, Lujan may have additional victims according to Police Chief, Bobby Orosco. Those who may have been a victim of a crime of this nature are urged to contact the Deming Police Department at 575-546-3012.

Regarding important election dates, the last day to register to vote in the Primary Election is Tuesday, May 8th, in addition, county clerks will begin sending absentee ballots and in-person voting will be available at each county clerk’s office during normal business hours. Countywide early voting begins on Saturday, May 19th and ends on Saturday June 2nd. Primary Election Day is Tuesday June 5th as well as being the last day to return an absentee ballot to their county clerk’s office or election day polling location.